Judge disqualifies Trump appointee as prosecutor
The gist
A federal judge ruled Bill Essayli unlawfully serves as Los Angeles's top federal prosecutor and barred him from two cases.
The ruling tests how long unconfirmed Trump appointees can run U.S. attorney offices.
How it unfolded
- Apr 2025Trump appoints Bill Essayli as acting U.S. attorney for the Central District of California.
- Jul 29, 2025Judge Seabright later rules that Essayli's authority to lead the office as an appointee expired on this date.
- Oct 28, 2025Seabright rules the appointee authority expired July 29, but says Essayli may continue as first assistant U.S. attorney.